Kim Gura aims to retire at 60: 'I don't plan to work until I die'

Broadcaster Kim Gura has said he plans to retire at 60.

A video titled "Jo Hye-ryeon's candid confession after meeting Kim Gura alone for the first time in 30 years" was posted Wednesday on the YouTube channel "Jo Hoe-ryeon: Jo Hye-ryeon." The two met at a restaurant and talked about their broadcasting careers and retirement.

Jo Hye-ryeon reflected on their longevity in the industry. "Looking back, I'm so grateful that we're both still going strong in 2026," she said, adding that she believed she could continue working for more than 20 years if she took care of her health and managed her image.

Kim shook his head in disagreement. When Jo asked whether he had said he was thinking of stopping, Kim said his goal was to retire at 60.

"You always have to think about life after retirement — 'I'm going to work until I die' is not the way," he said. "I'll work hard until I'm 60, and after that, if opportunities come my way, I'll take them."

This is not the first time Kim has mentioned a retirement target. In 2024, he said on another YouTube channel, "I think there needs to be a point when you retire. My goal is 60. By then, I don't think I'll want to live so intensely anymore."

Born in October 1970, Kim is 55 this year. He made his debut in 1993 as a second-round recruit comedian at SBS but spent years in obscurity. After building a following through internet broadcasting, he broke into terrestrial television in 2004 with KBS 2FM's "Gura's Music Plaza."

He has since become one of South Korea's most recognizable hosts, appearing on programs including "Star Golden Bell," "Star Junior Show Bungeo-ppang," "Hwang Geum Eojang Radio Star," "Sebakwi," "Sseoljeon," "My Little Television," "Dongsang Imon 2 — You Are My Destiny" and "Late Night Ghost Story Club."